The measure would require age assurance, parental controls, and safety safeguards for AI systems accessible to children.
Common Sense Media and OpenAI announced unified support for the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act, a proposed California ballot measure that would establish requirements for artificial intelligence systems to protect users under 18.
The measure, authored by Common Sense Media and backed by both organizations, would require AI companies to implement age assurance technology to distinguish children from adults and, where age cannot be determined, default to protective safeguards. It would prohibit targeted advertising to children and the sale or sharing of minors’ personal data without parental consent.
Under the proposal, AI providers must identify and develop safeguards to prevent generating harmful content for children, including sexually explicit content and material promoting suicide, self-harm, or violence. The initiative would ban deceptive or manipulative design in AI systems used by minors that could create emotional dependence, simulate romantic relationships, or lead children to believe they are conversing with a human.
The measure would require AI companies to offer easy-to-use tools for parents to monitor and limit their children’s use of AI and to notify parents if a child expresses intent to harm themselves. It would also impose obligations for independent annual safety audits and enforcement by the California attorney general, including financial penalties for noncompliance.
“We wrote this initiative to protect kids, and we welcome OpenAI’s full support,” said James P. Steyer, founder and chief executive officer of Common Sense Media. “Rather than confuse voters with competing measures, we’re working together to enact strong protections for kids, teens, and families.”
Chris Lehane, chief global affairs officer at OpenAI added, “We do believe AI is an empowerment tool. It helps people solve really hard problems. Part and parcel of that is making sure parents have the control and are empowered to exercise control in terms of how their kids use it.”
